There’s something about drapery that instantly adds polish and warmth to a room. But getting it right takes more than just picking a pretty pattern or color—you’ve got to focus on placement, length, and style. Here’s our quick guide to choosing the right drapes for your space, and how a few simple adjustments can elevate your entire room.

Hang Them High and Let Them Touch the Floor

One of the most common mistakes we see in window treatments is drapes hung too low or cut too short. A simple rule of thumb: mount your curtain rod 6–8 inches above the top of the window to draw the eye upward and give the illusion of taller ceilings. Then, make sure your drapery panels are long enough to just kiss the floor—we aim for about 1/4 inch between the hem and the floor for a tailored, designer finish.

Avoid letting your drapes puddle or break on the floor unless you’re intentionally going for a dramatic, romantic style. Wrinkles or fabric bunching at the bottom can make even the most beautiful drapes feel unfinished.

Custom Drapes: Pinch Pleat vs. Euro Pleat

When it comes to custom drapery, we tend to choose between two timeless header styles: pinch pleats and euro pleats.

• Pinch pleats are structured, elegant, and lean more traditional. They’re perfect for formal living rooms or dining spaces that lean classic in style. Photo via: Fabricut.

• Euro pleats offer a slightly more relaxed, modern feel while still maintaining the fullness and structure we love in a tailored drape. Lately, we find ourselves reaching for euro pleats in nearly every space we drape—there’s just something so clean and versatile about them. Photo via: Fabricut.

Ready-Made Drapes: What to Look For

If custom isn’t in the budget, there are still plenty of great ready-made options out there. These typically come with various header styles. Here are a few options from one of our partners, Fabricut.

• Grommets: Best for a casual, modern look, but less tailored.

• Rod pockets: Simple and traditional, but can be tricky to slide across a rod.

• Ring clips: A favorite for giving store-bought panels a more custom, elevated look.

The key is to ensure the panels are long enough—most big box stores carry 84″ panels, but you’ll often need 96″ or even 104″ to achieve that floor-grazing look. These can usually be found online with a little digging, and the impact is well worth the extra effort.

When Short Curtains Work

While we usually advise full-length drapes, there are times when shorter curtains just make sense. Cafe curtains are a charming, functional solution for smaller windows that need a touch of privacy without losing light. We love using them in:

• Kitchens
• Breakfast nooks
• Powder rooms
• Laundry rooms

Add a small-scale print or soft pattern, and you’ve got instant charm and practicality. Like this idea? Read more about Cafe curtains in this post.

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Final Thoughts

The right drapery can truly transform a room—but only if it’s hung well and sized right. Prioritizing height and length creates that high-end, finished look, even if the panels themselves are budget-friendly. Whether you go custom or off-the-shelf, don’t overlook the power of good drapes to soften a space and bring everything together.

Have a window dilemma or a drapery question? We’d love to help—drop your design question in the comments or send us a message!